ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how the archaic fantasies achieve materialization through human acts of creativity. Winnicott regarded the omnipotent fantasies of the infant's internal world as the first creative act. Charles Bukowski found his magic, a way for his existence to have meaning in the world. Many have characterized creativity as a process that enables an artist to exhibit courage in the face of grim, mute – mortal – reality. Creativity is a solitary occupation; time spent alone is needed to generate and implement ideas. The connection between mood disorder and creativity is one that has been underscored in several studies. Depression, too, encourages creativity in its sensitivity and compassion for the human condition as well as in its inward gazing and rumination. Fantasies underlying creativity can serve to recreate relationships with others or to fill the void left by those who went missing or never showed up.
